asked the Minister for the Environment the new steps, if any, that have been taken to ensure immediate remedial action in the event of a major oil spillage around our coasts.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Oil Spillages.
25.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply on 4 May 1978 to his question on this subject as well as to my reply on 27 April 1978 to the debate on the Estimates for my Department and my reply on the Adjournment Debate on 17 October last in which I indicated the comprehensive arrangements that have been made for dealing with oil spillages and the fact that they are kept under regular review. The liaison committee on oil pollution to which I referred on both occasions is at present considering the need for and feasibility of any further improvements in existing arrangements for dealing with a major oil spillage off our coast, particularly in the light of the recent experience with the tanker Christos Bitas.
Is there any possibility of an international agreement leading to the setting up of a task force to deal with situations like this? In a serious situation a small country like ours could not cope.
Ireland is keeping in close touch with recent developments at EEC level which include the adoption of a Council resolution of 26 June 1978 providing for an action programme under six main headings. The programme provides for a study of the need for measures to enhance the co-operation and effectiveness of emergency schemes in member states. The resolution envisages the availability of specially trained groups with equipment which would be immediately available. Any developments in this area would be a matter of special interest to this country. Other main headings covered by the action programme envisaged by the EEC include the computerisation of data on tankers and off-shore structures, the development of an improved insurance code for tankers and the design and development of special clean-up vessels, as well as a research programme on chemical and mechanical means of combating oil pollution at sea.
Some of these headings impinge on the responsibilities of other Departments, notably the Department of Tourism and Transport, who are also pursuing the question of ratification of certain international conventions on the prevention of oil pollution.
The Minister still refers to the responsibility of action groups in member states. Could he say whether it is agreed generally that in a serious situation international action would be needed? Is there any likelihood of an international task force which would be available to any country which needed it?
Not at the moment, but the matter is being reviewed.
Is the Minister aware of the recommendations contained in paragraph 772 of an interdepartmental report of October 1977 which specifically states that there was reason for concern about the ability of our services to cope with commitments at that time? What specific steps have been taken arising from that report to combat the problems outlined in it and implied in the question?
The Deputy may put down a separate question on that matter.
I wish to know the national response as opposed to the international response.
This matter was fully explained by the Minister in an Adjournment Debate relating to oil spillages from the Christos Bitas.
I raised that matter on the Adjournment and it was not explained at all. Is the Minister satisfied with the present ability to cope with the kind of spillage referred to in the question?
I am satisfied that the present arrangements are as good as they could possibly be.
Is the Minister satisfied that we would be able to cope—
The Deputy is repeating himself.
I cannot get an answer. It is a waste of time to ask questions if we cannot get answers.